Health & Wellness

When it comes to you and your family and food safety, you must make sure that your kitchen is equipped with the right tools in order to keep food bacteria at bay. Here are some tips that will help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Cutting Boards. You should always have two cutting boards handy: one for raw meats and seafood and one for raw produce and ready-to-eat foods. This will prevent the cross-contamination of meat and seafood juices getting onto produce and ready-to-eat foods.

Containers. If you have cooked leftovers, you should store them in shallow containers with lids. Foods that are stored in shallow containers chill faster and stay safer longer.

Food Thermometers. You may be an experienced cook who can tell when a steak is medium-rare, but it’s always a good idea to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of cooked meats to make sure they have reached a safe internal temperature.

Paper Towels. When cleaning up raw meat and seafood juices, you should use paper towels because sponges can soak up bacteria that can cross-contaminate kitchen surfaces and hands.

Soap. This may sound like common sense, but it’s always good to be reminded that anyone who is prepping and cooking foods must wash their hands for 20 seconds before and after handling foods.

These simple solutions for the prevention of foodborne illnesses are worth the little effort it takes!

In Season

Get ready for springtime! March 21 marks the official beginning of the spring season. This means spring showers, spring flowers, and whole new crop of fresh spring foods. This month, take the opportunity to enjoy a few winter favorites that are still at their peak, and to get a first taste of the spring season's freshest picks.